Dolphins need to get serious about getting ready for 2013

Daniel Thomas powers through the line on this carry up the middle during… (Mark Randall / Sun Sentinel )

August 17, 2013|By Omar Kelly, Sun Sentinel

HOUSTON - The Miami Dolphins have spent the first two exhibition games experimenting, sticking the team's toe in the water on young players who might not make the roster.

While that's important for putting together the 53-man roster, it is about time for Joe Philbin and staff to stop farting around and get serious about preparing for the 2013 season. There's no better time to do that than during tonight's preseason game against the Houston Texans, a playoff team last season.

We're talking about basically the same Texans squad that blew the Dolphins out in the season-opener last year. That's why it is time for everyone associated with the Dolphins to flex the team's muscle, showing the growth that's been made this offseason, and during training camp.

And here are a couple of things I'd LIKE to see accomplished in tonight's game.

1. Can a brother get three first downs and a touchdown drive from quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The first-team offense spends too much time sputtering around in practice, and during the first two exhibition games. Not all of that is Tannehill's fault, but he's misfiring a lot. Even Philbin admits he's looking for a fast start from the first-team offense.

7. It is time we see Will Yeatman play left tackle vs. Houston's second string defense. It appears rookie Dallas Thomas has settled in at right tackle. That means Miami needs to find a backup to Jonathan Martin. Is Yeatman worth a continued investment, or not?

8. Kelcie McCray needs to make an impact play. This second-year safety has to do something worthy of making the 53-man roster as Reshad Jones' backup. At this point I project the Dolphins will keep six cornerbacks and three safeties on the 53. McCray, who is eligible for the practice squad, needs to make the coaches and scouts change their mind.

9. I need to see Jorvorskie Lane and Evan Rodriguez work as a lead blocker. One of those fullbacks will make the 53-man roster. Not sure who, and this battle is too close to call at this point.

10. I'd like to see one backup linebacker, just one, make a single play worth noticing in a game as a defender. Behind the starting three and Jason Trusnik, who is viewed as the special teams captain, the Dolphins don't have a single linebacker I'd be comfortable elevating into a starting role. Jonathan Freeny has been the most productive of the group so far. Everyone else is just a guy. Some linebacker needs to raise their hand and make their performance scream "pick me."

My list is long, but it just shows us how much the Dolphins have to accomplish in the final three exhibition games.